A £15,000 ‘Pocket Park’ grant is set to help transform a former car park in the heart of Launceston’s Lanstephan estate into an inviting public space.

The Department for Communities and Local Government grant has been awarded to Lanstephan Area Play Park Committee, which has campaigned to redevelop the site into an area where the community can connect socially, enjoy nature and play.

The grant includes £10,000 towards redeveloping the site and £5,000 for professional input, design and planning.

The project has also secured match funding of £10,000 from Cornwall Council and £5,000 from the Rotary Club of Launceston.

Initial plans for the area, which is situated off St Mary’s Road, will involve the land being resurfaced to include inlays for play, planting and seating areas.

The Lanstephan Area Play Park Committee said it will work with the local community to design other features that will enhance the area by making best use of the natural landscape, make the area easy to maintain and create a pocket park that local people can be proud of.

Iris Lindsay from Lanstephan Area Play Park Committee said: “This is an exciting time for the Lanstephan area, with much needed investment coming from this grant, Launceston Rotary Trust and Cornwall Council. Launceston Town Council has also been very supportive.

“This is just the beginning, as there is a lot more hard work and fund raising to be done, but hopefully by the Easter holidays we should be well underway with a fantastic area for all ages to enjoy.”

Adam Paynter, Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston North and North Petherwin, said: “This is fantastic news for people in Lanstephan. Turning this site into a pocket park will provide a much needed attractive public space that the whole community can enjoy.

“It will be great to see local people getting involved in designing features of the park as the project progresses.”